I found this level to be the most difficult of the entire game, but I found a strategy that may be helpful to others.

First, be sure to release the captured pilots by any means. When that's done, a barrage of bombs will not be coming after you, so then proceed to take an anti-air vehicle to the edge of the crater, (the Solar Crater).

I found the most helpful way to get an anti-air craft vehicle to the edge of the crater, leave one by the entrance of the level, and when you have released the pilots take it to a left path before the large open field, (the path will be before the area with the captured pilots).

When you get to the end of this path you must dodge fire from two tanks, and you will be at the edge of the crater. Take down the gunship in the crater from the edge of the crater, (believe me it helps for the next part).

Finally, take one of your flame veterans into the crater and start taking out pillars. When several enemies pop up use the pillars as shields from their bullets. This worked quite well for me, but it may take more then one flame veteran.